lean
lean Lexical Profile
lean Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To be in or move into a sloping position; to incline or bend from a vertical posture.
"She had to lean forward across the desk to hear what the receptionist was saying."
To rest or cause to rest against something for physical support.
"He decided to lean his bicycle against the brick wall while he went inside the shop."
To have a partiality, preference, or tendency toward a particular opinion, viewpoint, or course of action (usually followed by 'toward').
"After reviewing all the proposals, the committee began to lean toward the most environmentally sustainable option."
To rely on someone or something for emotional, financial, or practical support (usually followed by 'on' or 'upon').
"During her first semester at university, she was grateful to have older mentors she could lean on for advice."
• adjective
Having little or no superfluous fat; thin and physically fit or sinewy (of a person or animal).
"Years of distance running had given the athlete a lean, muscular build."
Containing very little fat (of meat).
"The nutritionist recommended choosing lean cuts of poultry and beef for dinner."
Operating with maximum efficiency and minimal waste or unnecessary personnel (of an organization, budget, or manufacturing process).
"The startup adopted a lean operational model to bring its software to market quickly."
Lacking in richness, abundance, or productivity; scarce or financially difficult (especially of a period of time or harvest).
"Small businesses managed to survive the lean winter months by reducing overhead costs."
• noun
A deviation from the vertical; an inclination, tilt, or slope.
"The old garden wall had developed a noticeable lean toward the narrow lane."
The muscular part of meat that is free from fat.
"The traditional nursery rhyme tells of Jack Sprat, who could eat no fat, while his wife could eat no lean."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a verb, the past tense and past participle are typically 'leaned' in American English, whereas 'leant' is also widely used in British English. Do not confuse the noun 'lean' with its homophone 'lien' (a legal right to keep possession of property belonging to another person until a debt is discharged).
• Rhymes for lean
Word Origin & Etymology
The verb derives from Old English 'hlinian' (to incline, recline, or rest), whereas the adjective derives from a separate Old English word, 'hlæne' (thin or spare), both of Proto-Germanic origin.